Culture & Entertainment

Simple kindness: Raising money for Prader-Willi Syndrome

Culture & Entertainment

Simple kindness: Raising money for Prader-Willi Syndrome

This season my Facebook feed has been overwhelmed by the cute, pudgy faces of newborn babies. Through the magic that is this social media tool, I recently learned that a woman I know gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl who was diagnosed with
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). I also learned that one of our mutual Facebook friends (who also gave birth this year) has decided to show her support in a meaningful way. She's offered to pick up and wrap the Christmas presents of any of her Facebook friends in Winnipeg or the surrounding area in exchange for a donation to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, whose mission is to "eliminate the challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome through the advancement of research." Now that's holiday spirit!
Interested in making a donation to the foundation? Click here. Need more information about PWS? PWS is a genetic disorder that can cause low muscle tone, poor suck reflex and failure to thrive. As the infant grows, s/he may have cognitive challenges, growth hormone deficiencies and behavioural difficulties, among many other symptoms. All of these issues can make it difficult for a person with PWS to live a normal life.
For a more in-depth description of the syndrome, click here.Photo courtesy of Colleen McMahon on Flicker